Combined Computational and Experimental Study Reveals Complex Mechanistic Landscape of Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Silane-Dependent P═O Reduction

The reaction mechanism of Brønsted acid-catalyzed silane-dependent P═O reduction has been elucidated through combined computational and experimental methods. Due to its remarkable chemo- and stereoselective nature, the Brønsted acid/silane reduction system has been widely employed in organophosphine-catalyzed transformations involving P(V)/P(III) redox cycle. However, the full mechanistic profile of this type of P═O reduction has yet to be clearly established to date. Supported by both DFT and experimental studies, our research reveals that the reaction likely proceeds through mechanisms other than the widely accepted "dual activation mode by silyl ester" or "acid-mediated direct P═O activation" mechanism. We propose that although the reduction mechanisms may vary with the substitution patterns of silane species, Brønsted acid generally activates the silane rather than the P═O group in transition structures. The proposed activation mode differs significantly from that associated with traditional Brønsted acid-catalyzed C═O reduction. The uniqueness of P═O reduction originates from the dominant Si/O═P orbital interactions in transition structures rather than the P/H-Si interactions. The comprehensive mechanistic landscape provided by us will serve as a guidance for the rational design and development of more efficient P═O reduction systems as well as novel organophosphine-catalyzed reactions involving P(V)/P(III) redox cycle.

Tertiary Amine-Mediated Reductions of Phosphine Oxides to Phosphines

The reduction of phosphine oxides without the use of highly reactive reductants represents a safer and more sustainable solution for recycling of organophosphorus compounds. Herein, we disclose an N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA)-mediated reduction via an unusual intermolecular hydride transfer. Mechanistic studies suggest that TMEDA serves as a hydride donor, while the P(V) halophosphonium salt acts as the hydride acceptor. This methodology provides a scalable and efficient protocol to reduce phosphine oxides under mild conditions.

Dearylation of arylphosphine oxides using a sodium hydride–iodide composite

A new protocol for the dearylative functionalization of arylphosphine oxides was developed using NaH in the presence of LiI.

Mechanistic aspects of the stereospecific reduction of chiral hydroxyalkyl phosphinates and phosphine oxides

We present recent advances in the understanding of the reduction of optically pure hydroxyalkylphosphinates and phosphine oxides, which represent key intermediates for the preparation of P-stereogenic ligands. Their reduction leads to P-chiral phosphinites and phosphines, respectively, and occurs stereospecifically with inversion of configuration using BH3·THF, which plays three roles: activating, reducing and protecting agent. The formation of by-products as hydroxyalkyl secondary phosphine–boranes has also been studied.

Reduction of secondary and tertiary phosphine oxides to phosphines

In this review, we summarise all the methods of phosphine oxide reduction and discuss their mechanistic aspects.

Photoinduced reductive perfluoroalkylation of phosphine oxides: synthesis of P-perfluoroalkylated phosphines using TMDPO and perfluoroalkyl iodides

P-Perfluoroalkylphosphines are synthesized by photoreaction between TMDPO and perfluoroalkyl iodides, with the reduction of phosphine oxides.

Syntheses and reactions of the bis-boryloxide O(Bpin)2(pin = O2C2Me4)

The reaction of the phosphine oxides, OPEt31 and OPn-Bu32 with pinacolborane (HBpin) results in phosphine oxide reduction and the formation of O(Bpin)23. In contrast, the phosphine oxide OPn-Bu3 reacts with HB(C6F5)2 or B(C6F5)3 to give only the donor-acceptor adducts. Compound 3 reacts with HNPt-Bu3 to give the phosphinimonium borate salt, [t-Bu3PNH2][(Bpin(OBpin)2]6, while reaction with Cp2ZrMe2 affords the species Cp2Zr(OBpin)27.